Posts Tagged ‘how to prevent id theft’
What is Identity Theft and How to Prevent It?
What is identity theft? This is an abhorred act of taking or assuming another’s identity or information without the permission of the owner. The taking usually comes with a malicious intention to cause prejudice to the owner or to defraud third parties by appropriating it, escaping criminal or civil liabilities or just for the sake of wreaking havoc on a person’s life. Taking one’s identity is one thing. Using it to defraud another person to the prejudice of the owner is another thing. Usually, the law provides the respective penalties for each act. That is, if the culprit is ever discovered or known.
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There are different kinds of identity theft. This is classified in terms of the ultimate purpose which was facilitated by the thief or the one who is taking advantage:
1. Commercial or Business Identity Theft. This is the instance when the thief assumes the personality of another in order to avail of commercial or business opportunities which are not ordinarily available to him.
2. Criminal Identity Theft. This occurs when the thief assumes the personality of another to afford impunity.
3. Financial Identity Theft. This occurs when the thief makes use of the identity of another in order to get their hands to the good and services which are not readily available to them under the normal circumstances.
4. Identity Cloning. This is usually used in order to defraud another into believing that they are indeed that person or either to cause embarrassment to its owner.
5. Medical Identity Theft. This is used to avail of drugs and medical services that is not offered to other person except to the owner of the identity.
Everyone can be a victim of this crime. The truth is even if your doors are locked and your alarm systems are fully functional, there is still a probability that you may end up a victim of this crime. Why? Because there are many instances in our daily lives that can give rise to this offense just like an ordinary transaction with your bank, a visit to the office, or the simple use of internet and phone. Everything that requires one to disclose information about himself serves as a good opportunity for these individuals. If you think you are helpless in preventing this from happening to you, think again. There are foolproof id theft protection services which will save you from the prying eyes of these thieves.